According to a company press release, an automatic loading machine at Hanley Industries at 3640 Seminary Road "ignited during operations" at 7:39 a.m.
Four people working around the machine were injured by "flying plastic parts" and taken to Alton Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to the Fosterburg Fire Department, which responded to the accident.
"The fire was extinguished with dry-chemical (extinguishers) before we arrived," Fosterburg firefighter Mark Webster said.
A hazardous-material team was not needed, Webster said.
Hanley Industries officials declined to comment, referring to their press release. The injured workers suffered mostly nicks and scrapes, according to the release, and none was life-threatening. Production has resumed, and the company will conduct an internal investigation.
Cynthia Wagner, assistant area director for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said the agency had not yet determined whether an investigation is warranted. OSHA investigations are required when three or more people are hospitalized, she said, but optional in cases of minor injuries.
Hanley Industries produces ammunition for the U.S. military. In 2002, Hanley Industries was awarded part of a $30.3 million contract with the U.S. Army to produce the M782 Multi-Option Fuze, a component intended for use with bulk-filled artillery munitions used in 105mm and 155mm howitzer systems. Hanley was to perform 15 percent of the work on the four-year contract.
